Language of instruction
Generally available as a second or third preference.
The University of Alberta is a Top 5 Canadian university and one of the Top 100 in the world (QS Top Universities 2018). Within a vibrant and supportive learning environment, the University of Alberta discovers, disseminates, and applies new knowledge through teaching and learning, research and creative activity, and community involvement.
One of UAlberta’s points of difference is its Faculty of Native Studies, Canada’s only such faculty, specialising in the study of Aboriginal experiences, language, and culture.
UAlberta is located in Edmonton – a city of one million residents and home to North America’s oldest and largest Fringe Festival.
Semester dates
| UQ Semester | Host Semester | Dates |
| Semester 1 | Winter Term | January–April |
| Semester 2 | Fall Term | September–December |
Guides and additional information
UAlberta has online resources to help get the most out of your exchange:
Campuses
UAlberta has five campuses in Edmonton and Camrose:
- North Campus
- South Campus
- Campus Saint-Jean
- Enterprise Square
- Augustana Campus
Exchange deadlines
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 1:
Open: 24 April (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Close: 31 May (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 2:
Open: 24 September (for Semester 2 of the following year)
Close: 31 October (for Semester 2 of the following year)
Full-time study load
Host university requirements
GPA
- You will need a minimum cumulative GPA of 4.5 to study at UAlberta (other faculties).
- You will need a minimum cumulative GPA of 5.2 to study at UAlberta School of Business.
- You will need a minimum cumulative GPA of 5.6 to study at UAlberta Faculty of Engineering.
Study Options
You must choose one admission faculty from the available list. Further details are outlined in the Additional Academic Information section below.
Semester Restrictions
Due to study permit caps introduced by the Government of Canada, admission for a full-year exchange at University of Alberta cannot be guaranteed. Please take this into consideration when deciding on the duration of your exchange.
Students wishing to attend Alberta for a full-year exchange must begin their exchange in the Fall semester (UQ Semester 2).
Other Requirements
- Engineering students must have completed 2 years of university-level studies, one year of which must be engineering courses, before commencing exchange at Alberta.
- All students must be enrolled full-time in the semester before exchange.
Note: Host university eligibility criteria are at the discretion of the host and may change without notice.
Find courses
Search the UAlberta course catalogue if courses do not appear in the database.
Search the Credit Precedent Database to find courses offered by your host university that have been previously approved for credit at UQ. The database should be used as a general guide only.
You must still check the host university course catalogue to see if courses from the Credit Precedent Database are still on offer and in the correct semester of your exchange.
Study areas taught in English
Academic restrictions
Additional academic information
Exchange deadlines
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 1:
Open: 24 April (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Close: 31 May (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 2:
Open: 24 September (for Semester 2 of the following year)
Close: 31 October (for Semester 2 of the following year)
Accommodation
The University of Alberta offers a variety of on-campus housing experiences. UAlberta has information for exchange students to help find student accommodation.
On-campus is guaranteed for students commencing in September as long as they apply by the 30th April deadline.
In general, one-semester housing contracts, both on and off campus, may be difficult to find. One semester contracts are available in the Lister Residences (Schaffer Hall), East Village and HUB Mall. It is important to note that some residence halls do not offer furnished rooms or may require the purchase of a mandatory meal plan. Other residence halls may give priority to students applying for a full year exchange (September to April).
The University of Alberta does not recommend that exchange students live off-campus due to limited availablility of short-term, furnished, reasonably priced accommodation.
Cost of living
To help students budget for exchange, UAlberta has provided an estimate of basic living costs for students in Edmonton.
Financial support
A range of funding for student exchange including scholarships, grants and loans are available to UQ students.
Insurance
Students approved to participate in a Semester-based Exchange are automatically covered by UQ’s Travel Insurance for the country of their host university only.
For more information, read the Student Travel Insurance Policy Summary on UQ’s Travel Insurance web page (login required).
If you plan to travel outside of your host country, you should purchase additional insurance.
Exchange students staying for less than one year will automatically be enrolled in the mandatory University of Alberta Health Insurance Plan (UAHIP). An additional fee will be associated with this.
Exchange deadlines
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 1:
Open: 24 April (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Close: 31 May (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 2:
Open: 24 September (for Semester 2 of the following year)
Close: 31 October (for Semester 2 of the following year)
Organise your visa
It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct visa for the country where you will be studying. As the Global Experiences team is not a visa-issuing authority we cannot provide visa advice.
Contact the High Commission of Canada for visa information.
Travel risk levels
The University of Queensland cannot and does not allow students to travel to any country with a risk level of 3 (Reconsider your need to travel) or above, as assessed by the Australian Government.
If a country's risk level changes to 3 or above, experiences to that country are suspended until the risk level improves.
Find out the risk level and travel advice, and sign up to receive updates for your host country on the Smartraveller website.
Exchange deadlines
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 1:
Open: 24 April (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Close: 31 May (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 2:
Open: 24 September (for Semester 2 of the following year)
Close: 31 October (for Semester 2 of the following year)